The most famous bridges and towers. The largest and most beautiful bridges in the world. old bridge bosnia

Since ancient times, man has tried to embrace the immensity - to cross oceans, mountains, deserts. In this selection, you will find the most unusual man-made structures, award-winning designs, outstanding architecture and rich history. So we're going to take a look at 25 of the most unique bridges in the world.

Helix Bridge in Singapore

This bridge is unique in that it resembles the structure of DNA. Opened in 2010, the Helix Bridge is made primarily of steel and is lit up at night with strips of LED lighting to highlight its unique design.

Kappelbrücke Bridge

Located in the city of Lucerne, this bridge was built in 1333 and crosses the Reuss river diagonally. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. The inside of the bridge is decorated with 17th century paintings depicting events in local history. Most of the bridge was destroyed by fire about 20 years ago. Approximately two-thirds of the bridge and 85 of the 110 paintings were lost. The bridge itself was rebuilt a year later.

Shenyang Bridge

Called the “Bridge of Wind and Rain” and hidden among rice fields and mountains, Shenyang is located in China's Guangxi province. Built in 1916 by the Dong people, an ethnic minority in China, the bridge is adorned with five distinct pagoda structures. The traditional Chinese architecture makes the building fantastic, but the most amazing thing is that no nails were used during the construction, only architectural tricks.

rolling bridge

This unique bridge is located in the Paddington area of ​​London. What makes it so special is that every Friday the octagonal structure transforms. During the day, the bridge is assembled back into its original shape. The bridge uses hydraulics to make these transformations and was completed in 2004. The project was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who also designed some of the London Olympic projects.

sky bridge langkawi

The Langkawi Sky Bridge can be reached via a cable car. It is a curved footbridge over 100 meters long, about 700 meters above sea level. Once you have completed the cable car journey, the bridge provides an ideal opportunity to view the beautiful sights of the Malaysian mountains and rainforests.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

This building was opened English queen in 2002 and is located in the city of Newcastle, crossing the River Tyne. The Millennium Bridge is unique in that it is one of the few bridges in the world that tilts. When it is tilted to one side, it turns into a normal footbridge where you can walk and enjoy the views of the river. When the bridge is tilted the other way, it allows boats and ships to pass under it. Gateshead Millennium has received many architectural awards for its design and the name "Viking Eye" because it looks like an eye that blinks every time the structure tilts.

old bridge bosnia

The Old Bridge was built in 1566 and successfully withstood the test of time until it was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. More than $13 million was spent rebuilding the bridge and surrounding buildings until it was finally restored and opened to the public in 2004.

Akashi Bridge in Japan

One of greatest examples Japanese engineering - Akashi Bridge - holds the record as the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a total length of 3911 meters. It would take 4 Brooklyn bridges to cover that distance. It took 12 years to build this structure. Strangely, the bridge was not built with the intention of being the world's longest suspension bridge, but in 1995 additional sections had to be added after an earthquake, which gave Akashi his record. The total length of the bridge cables is 300,000 km. That's enough to circle the Earth 7.5 times!

Rialto Bridge in Italy

Built in the 15th century, it crosses the Grand Canal of Venice. The Rialto was first built in 1181 and was the only way to get to the other side of the Grand Canal. Only in 1551 the authorities decided to modernize the bridge. The best architects, including Michelangelo and Palladio, offered their designs, but the task was eventually given to Antonio da Ponte. Some architects were skeptical of his plans and predicted the failure of the bridge, but he defied his critics and the bridge has been perfectly preserved to this day. The classical Venetian architecture of the bridge was supplemented with elements of the nineteenth century a few centuries later. The Rialto was for a long time the only bridge crossing the Grand Canal and the only link between the two sides of Venice, until more modern bridges were built.

Slauerhofbrug bridge

No, this is not an optical illusion! This extremely bizarre bridge is located in Leeuwarden. Due to the sheer number of rivers and canals in the Netherlands, the high traffic intensity and the same volume of vehicles, the country needed a bridge that could raise and lower quickly, benefiting both road and river navigation. This is how the Slauerhofbrug Bridge was born. Built in 2000 from iron and steel, the bridge is raised and lowered 10 times a day using hydraulics.

Octavio de Oliveira Bridge

Opened in 2008, the bridge in the city of Sao Paulo was built in 5 years. 450 workers were involved in the construction of the Octavio de Oliveira bridge. The project is unusual due to the X-shaped structures in the middle and the two levels of traffic crossing each other during the passage through the abutment. The Oliveira Bridge is also decorated with LEDs that flicker on special holidays. For example, at Christmas the bridge can be lit up to look like a Christmas tree.

Falkirk wheel

It is more than just a bridge thanks to its futuristic design. The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first and only boat lift! The structure can actually rotate 180 degrees. The boat floats along the channel to the lower tier, after which the structure turns around, lifting the boat to the top of the channel. This is a unique way of connecting channels, making it an exceptional feat of modern engineering.

Henderson waves

The bridge was designed to look like waves. The Henderson Waves connect 2 parks in Singapore and offer perfect views of the surrounding beauty. At night, the structure is lit up to add more beauty to its already artistic design. Henderson waves are made of steel and wood. Steel is needed for structural purposes, while timber enhances the beauty of the parks. The bridge is equipped with benches and viewing platforms, places for recreation and excursion corners.

Sidu Bridge

Opened in 2009, the Sidu Bridge is located 495 meters above the ground. This is taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza and Big Ben. Sidu quietly rises above a river gorge in the Chinese province of Hubei, surrounded by mountains and forests. Construction was a problem due to the remote location. It was not possible to use cranes, boats or helicopters. Engineers came up with interesting idea use rockets. More than 1000 meters of cable were tied to the rockets that were sent on the other side of the gorge. This is a unique location, and a unique way of building.

millau bridge

The Millau Bridge is in the Book of Records for being the tallest bridge in the world. The height of the technical masterpiece is 342 meters. The New York Times described it as a "triumph of engineering" and the BBC called it "one of the engineering marvels of the 21st century." French President Jacques Chirac opened the bridge in 2004 at a cost of approximately 394 million euros. The bridge itself crosses the Tarn valley at Millot and offers drivers some of the most stunning views in all of France, sometimes even above the clouds.

Danyang Kunshan Bridge

This bridge is the longest bridge in the world - it is 102 miles long. The railway bridge is part of a high-speed railway Beijing-Shanghai. Construction began in 2006 and the project cost an incredible $8.5 billion. More than 450,000 tons of steel were used for the structure, and 10,000 workers were constantly involved in the process. The Danyang-Kunshan Bridge entered its name in history for a long time.

Bridge of Moses

This bridge was named after Moses because it literally splits the water in two. An innovative solution was realized at the fortress of the 17th century. Initially, the bridge was supposed to be built across the moat around the fortress, but the architects had a desire not to violate the image of the fortress. They decided to camouflage the bridge and run it over the waterline to make it nearly invisible. This artistic design creates the illusion that you are walking across water, with the bridge blending in with the landscape. It is made entirely of wood and is waterproof.

Khaju Bridge

The Khaju Bridge was built by the Persian king, Shah Abbas II, during the 17th century. It has 23 arches, the bridge also functions as a dam, controlling the waters of the Zayandeh River. Remains of stone chairs built for Shah Abbas II still remain here. Here he sat admiring the performances. The central pavilion was built exclusively for his pleasure, originally as a tea house.

The Brooklyn Bridge

Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of New York City. It is located behind tall skyscrapers New York. The bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and crosses the East River. John A. Roebling designed the Brooklyn Bridge but died shortly before construction began. His son, Washington Roebling, continued his work, but he himself was stricken with illness and settled in an apartment overlooking the construction site. Emily Roebling, his wife, passed on his instructions to the workers and was actually the chief engineer until the bridge was completed. At the time, this was a real technical feat. In 1884, a group of circus animals, including a herd of 21 elephants, were allowed to cross the bridge to prove that the bridge was stable.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

In 1815, Francis Greenway proposed to build a bridge from north to south coast harbors. In 1890, a number of designs were presented, but they all turned out to be unsuitable. As a result, the construction of the Harbor Bridge did not begin until 1924. It took 1,400 workers, 8 years, and $6.6 million to complete the project. Six million rivets and 53,000 tons of steel were used in the construction. Today it is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world, one of the symbols of Sydney.

Pont Alexandre III

Elegance - best word to describe this bridge located in Paris. Its construction began in 1896 and ended in 1900. The structure was built in the Art Nouveau style and decorated with statues of nymphs, cherubs, winged horses, angels, ships and antique lamps along its sides, resulting in one of the most decorated bridges in the world. Despite being located in France, the bridge was named after Alexander III, Emperor of Russia, to honor the Franco-Russian alliance. Alexander's son, Nicholas II, laid the first stone at the start of construction.

Banpo Bridge

This really amazing bridge is located in Seoul and crosses the Han River. The bridge itself was actually created in 1982, but then restored in 2007. In 2009, the project included a fountain that shoots 190 tons of water per minute from each side of the 380 spout bridge. At night, the color of Banpo resembles a rainbow thanks to 10,000 LEDs, creating various colorful effects. The water jets are dynamic and can move with the music. The Banpo Fountain Bridge is environmentally friendly. The water is pumped directly from the river itself and continuously purified.

Golden Gate Bridge

Probably one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Golden Gate has become a symbol not only of San Francisco, but of the entire United States. Designed by engineer Joseph Strauss, this bridge was built to connect San Francisco to Marin County and cross the strait. It took thousands of workers, 4 years, and $35 million to complete the project. When the bridge was completed in 1937, it broke 2 records to become the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. The structure received international recognition, had a magnificent view of Pacific Ocean, defied the critics, praised the art deco design and its red color. The bridge's records would soon be broken in the future, but it still holds its popularity and cult status to this day.

Tower Bridge

In the 19th century, London Bridge was the only way to cross the River Thames. As London grew, the East Side became a busy port and it became obvious that a new bridge was needed. Planning began in 1884 when a design was selected from 50 designs. It took 8 years, 432 workers, and over 11,000 tons of steel to build what we now know as the Tower Bridge. The Prince of Wales opened the bridge in 1894. The bridge has become one of the most recognizable in the world due to its iconic design. It has 2 towers at the ends of each bank. The middle section of the bridge can be lifted up and down using hydraulics to allow ships to pass by. The bridge is not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge located in Florence and crossing the Arno River. It is so ancient that it belongs to the period of Roman times. Destroyed by a flood in 1333, the Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi. In 1565 Giorgio Vasar was commissioned to modernize the bridge and an upper corridor was added. This bridge is known for having living quarters inside it. Initially, however, these were workshops where artisans produced their goods. In 1593 they were replaced by goldsmiths because they produced too much rubbish and caused a foul stench. The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence to survive World War II unscathed.

Let's start the "tour", perhaps with a real legend.

1. There is probably no such person on earth who would not have seen this bridge at least once in some film. Golden Gate in San Francisco, which was the largest suspension bridge in the world from 1937 to 1964. The length of the bridge is 1970 m. Its construction began on January 5, 1933 and went on for more than 4 years.

On May 27, 1937, at 6:00 am, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened, but only for pedestrians. For 12 hours, the grandiose building belonged only to them. And only the next day, at the signal of President Roosevelt, the first cars drove over the bridge. The Golden Gate, as already noted, is the most recognizable bridge in the world, but it also has a sad record for the highest number of suicides. Almost every month, someone throws himself down from it towards his tragic choice.

2. The famous Tower Bridge is one of the main symbols of London. It was opened in 1894. Its unique feature is that the movable mechanisms of the bridge move a thousand-ton structure in just 1 minute to let the ships through. In addition, even in the divorced state, pedestrians can walk along the bridge, thanks to special galleries. To date, the Tower Bridge is pedestrian and is also used as a museum.

3. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal is the longest in Europe. It is usually compared to the Chinese Hangzhou, but Vasco da Gama looks more organic and elegant, although it is inferior in length.

Its length is 7.2 km. It was built to reduce traffic on the second bridge of Lisbon.

It was opened on March 29, 1998, just 18 months after the start of construction, before the Expo 98 exhibition. In the same year, the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the sea route from Europe to India by Vasco da Gama was celebrated. Therefore, the bridge was named after the great traveler. Despite the short construction period and the speed of work, all conceivable and unthinkable nuances were taken into account during its construction. Thanks to this scrupulousness and thoroughness, today the Vasco da Gama bridge can withstand winds up to 250 km / h and earthquakes 4 and a half times stronger than the famous 8.7 Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

4. Bosphorus bridge connecting Europe and Asia. It has become one of the symbols of modern Istanbul. The image of the bridge adorned the banknote of 1000 lira from 1978 to 1986. It is also a symbol of the space between two continents. For example, in 2007, the famous tennis match between American Venus Williams and Turkish tennis leader Ipek Shinolu took place right on it. Since it was the first match between athletes from the two continents, the Bosphorus Bridge was chosen as the meeting place. After the end of the match, the tennis ball was thrown from the bridge into the Bosphorus.

It is currently the 13th tallest in the world. Every day, the bridge passes from continent to continent about 200,000 different kind transport, and pedestrian traffic is prohibited due to its frequent use as a place to commit suicide.

5. The Banpo Fountain Bridge in Seoul became the only one of its kind and even got into the Guinness Book of Records as the most long fountain On Bridge. The total length of the fountain “Moon Rainbow” is 1140 m. Thanks to the play of light rays, the fountain seems to “dance” and shimmer. You can admire this miracle not only from the shore, but also from the first tier of the bridge, from where an equally wonderful view opens up and you get the feeling that you are inside a rainbow waterfall.

6. Another recognizable and legendary bridge, New York landmark is Brooklyn. This is the first bridge in the world to be hung on steel cables, and also one of the first suspension bridges in the world. Its length is 1825 meters. It carries out both automobile and pedestrian traffic - along it is divided into 3 parts. The side lanes are for cars, and the middle lane, at a fairly significant elevation, is for pedestrians and cyclists. In 1964, the Brooklyn Bridge was listed as a National Historic Landmark. And in 2008 they celebrated his anniversary - as much as 125 years. Today, this one symbol of New York remains one of the popular places for recreation and cycling for residents of the city.

7 . The amazing Millennium Bridge, or Gateshead Millennium in London. It connects northern England with Newcastle. Thanks to its hydraulic filling, the bridge tilts in order for ships to sail under it. In 2002, the Millennium Bridge was awarded the Sterling Prize. Its construction took more than two years, but after installation, its dimensions corresponded to the plan with a fantastic accuracy of up to 2 mm. It is the only swing bridge in the world. That is, when passing ships, it turns 40 degrees. This movement of the bridge from the side resembles the blinking of a large eye. The turning process is extremely impressive, and takes only no more than 4 minutes. For a year, the bridge “blinks” like this about 200 times

8. The Oliveira Bridge is the only bridge in the world with an X-shaped support. It has become one of the main symbols of Sao Paulo, thanks to the special shape of the masts, a height of 138 meters, 144 powerful steel cables and chic LED lighting. His full name is Octavio Frias de Oliveira. Two curved masts braced in concrete in an X-shape make up its support mast. It was inaugurated on May 10, 2008 and named after the publisher of the newspaper Fola de São Paulo, who died in 2007 at the age of 94. Octavio Frias de Oliveira was one of the most influential people in Brazil. At the end of December 2008, special light diodes were installed on the cables and masts of the bridge, creating various lighting effects reminiscent of a Christmas tree.

9. Ponte Vecchio is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in Italy, which is a symbol of Florence. The only bridge that has retained its original appearance. It is located in the same place where three previous bridges were built: the bridge of the era ancient rome, a bridge that collapsed in 1117 and a bridge demolished in the flood of 1333.

And since then, Ponte Vecchio has never been destroyed. Even the German troops, who retreated from Florence in 1944 and blew up many buildings in the city and all the bridges, spared Ponte Vecchio. It is said that they, too, were captivated by the beauty of this unique bridge.

There are only 2 such, similar to it, three-arched stone bridges in the world. Vecchio consists of 3 arches, the interval of the main one is 30 m, the two on the sides are 27 m. The Florentine bridge is also interesting because on its sides there are houses in which trading shops have been located since the Middle Ages. Only in 1593, meat sellers, by decree of Cosimo I de Medici, Duke of Tuscany, were expelled from the bridge, and jewelers came in their place. Since then, Ponte Vecchio has had another name - the Golden Bridge. Directly above the bridge in 1565, a corridor was built, which has survived to this day.

10. The Khaju Bridge is a unique example of Iranian architecture and is located in Isfahan. Travelers enjoyed it as early as the 17th century, and today it is one of the most famous bridges in the East and one of the most beautiful bridges on Earth. Khadzha was built in Isfahan for a reason. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Isfahan was on the way Silk Road and was then one of the most big cities in the world.
In addition to the aesthetic, the Khaju bridge has many other useful features, such as a water dam that conducts water to all the gardens of Isfahan. In addition, during the intense summer heat, Khaju allows you to hide from the sun in its shady corners. The lower level of the bridge is specifically for pedestrians, while the upper level is accessible for horses and carts.

Architectural genius is most evident in the creation of bridges. Famous bridges of the world! It is they, having a completely justified practical need, that often become unique symbols of countries and cities, making recognizable both famous world capitals and remote picturesque corners. From a huge number of these objects, we have selected the 10 most beautiful bridges in the world and publish a very conditional TOP 10, since there are many original and amazing bridges in the world. And yet, using the generally accepted criteria for the beauty of architectural objects, we tried to compile this list, which includes both recognized examples of bridge architecture of past centuries, and novelties that surprise contemporaries with the grandeur of design and execution.

Bridge (Viaduct) Millow

Opening the list under the title "The most beautiful bridges in the world" Millow Bridge, opened in December 2004 and is today the largest suspension structure in the world.

Rising majestically above the valley of the lake of Tarsus, located in the south of France, at a height of 343 meters, the Millow road bridge creates a feeling of stunning flight for everyone passing through it. The architecture of the bridge also contributes to this illusion - light, as if flying. Exceeding the height of the famous Eiffel Tower, the viaduct is also the leader in the world list of the highest bridges. The grandiose 8-span structure is placed on seven pillars and weighs 36,000 tons. The viaduct was erected in the form of a semicircle with a radius of 20 km, its length is 2.4 km.

Royal Gorge Bridge Footbridge

Our list, called "The Most Beautiful Bridges in the World", would not be complete without the famous American bridge, built in 1929.

It spread over and has long become one of the most famous sights of the region. The monumentality of the building is organically combined with the amazing lightness of the structures, and the height of 305 meters makes it possible to enjoy the unforgettable mountain landscapes of this picturesque area. The length of the structure is 385 m.

Spain: Puente de Piedra Bridge

One of the most visited by tourists has long been recognized as Puente de Piedra across the Ebro River, which rightfully occupies one of the leading places in our ranking of "The Most Beautiful Bridges in the World". The photo presented in the article demonstrates the integrity and elegance of the structure. Located in the city center near the Basilica of El Pilar, this bridge is also known as the Lion's Bridge, because it is decorated with four symbolic sculptures of lions.

It is also famous for the duration of its construction: it took 40 years to build it, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it was overhauled. Today, the Puente de Piedra bridge is a monument of history and architecture, which appeared in the 15th century, and, at the same time, a powerful transport artery, which is extremely important for the economic health of the whole country.

Hong Kong: Tsin Ma Bridge

The list of "The largest and most beautiful bridges in the world" includes the famous Hong Kong suspension bridge Tsin Ma - one of the world's masterpieces of architecture, which has become a kind of symbol of the country and a landmark for tourists.

Graceful and amazingly beautiful (especially when illuminated at night), the bridge connects the city with Lantau Island. In addition, being an essential part of the infrastructure of the Hong Kong International Airport, Tsin Ma provides highway and rail links. The bridge was put into operation in 1997. Its length is very impressive - 2.2 km, and the main span - 1.4 km.

Argentina: Bridge of the Woman (Puente de la Mujer)

In the category "The most beautiful bridges in the world" it is impossible not to include the most interesting Argentine Women's Bridge. The history of the creation of this unique swing bridge is amazing. The architect was inspired by the graceful movements of a couple dancing the Argentine tango. Located in Buenos Aires, this graceful 170-meter swing bridge spans the Rio de la Plata and connects two streets: Pierina Dealessi and Manuela Gorriti in the urban area of ​​Puerto Madero. The opening of the bridge took place at the end of 2001, and it immediately became a city landmark.

The bridge is pedestrian. It is 6.2 m wide, divided into 3 sections, 2 of which are 25 and 32.5 m long and are fixed and located along the banks, while the middle part rotates on a concrete support-base and is capable of clearing the fairway for passing ships in 2 minutes. This movable section of the bridge is equipped with a giant metal 34-meter "needle". The cable-cables that hold the middle part of the bridge are in contact with the "needle", the slope of which above the water surface is 39°. A special support protruding from the water balances the end of the middle section when rotated through 90°. Supervising all the work of this magnificent structure, computer system turns on the swivel mechanism if necessary.

UK: in Gateshead

This is the first tilting bridge, which has no analogues yet. He has received many architectural prizes and awards. Implementing a unique project of a pedestrian bridge, necessary for the city, but not interfering with river navigation, in 2001 a unique 850-ton structure 126 m long was erected.

The bridge consists of two steel arches, one of which rises above the water in a semicircle, reaching a height of 50 m at the top, the second is a pedestrian canvas, under which low vessels can pass. When a tall vessel approaches, the arches begin to move towards each other, turning by 40°, and join. The duration of such a maneuver is 4.5 minutes. Upon its completion, both canvases are balanced-raised and rise above the water at a height of 25 meters. In the people, this turn was aptly dubbed the “winking eye”.

Singapore: Henderson Wave Bridge

The bridge over Henderson Road is an extraordinary structure, resembling a huge snake wrapped around a tree branch. In 2008, the most beautiful bridges on earth were completed with this ingenious pedestrian structure. The leader in height among the bridges of Singapore, he immediately won the love of the city's residents.

The basis of the bridge was a frame of characteristically curved steel ribs, alternately rising above the deck. The original paneling of the frame made of special wood species perfectly withstands climatic upheavals. The Henderson Wave Bridge connects the two city parks. The wave-shaped 7-section structure with a length of 294 m seems to soar at a height of 36 meters above a busy highway. In the inner curves of the bridge, there are comfortable niches equipped with benches and armchairs where you can relax while admiring the picturesque views. The outer "waves" are also a roof, providing excellent protection from wind and sun. The Henderson Waves Bridge is magnificent at any time of the day, but it is especially sophisticated at dawn or sunset. At night, it is illuminated by LED garlands and becomes romantic and mysterious.

Italy: Rialto Bridge

The oldest one, spread over the Grand Canal, is the pearl of world bridge building and a popular attraction that occupies a worthy place in the list of "The most beautiful famous bridges in the world."

The stone structure that replaced the original wooden structure was erected at the end of the 16th century. It connects the urban areas of San Polo and San Marco. The 48-meter Rialto Bridge, based on 12,000 piles, is a pedestrian bridge, consisting of one traditional arch. The width of the structure is 22 m. Today, as in the heyday of Italy, the bridge has not lost its popularity: it is always lively and loved by city residents and tourists.

French Pont du Gard

This Roman bridge, which has stood the test of time, has been taken under the protection of UNESCO. Erected in antiquity, the three-level bridge is still a place of pilgrimage for tourists from many countries. The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct that connects the banks of the Gardon River near the French city of Nimes. Its dimensions are remarkable, they surprise and shock at the same time: the length of the bridge is 275 m, and the height reaches 47 m. The Pont du Garce is not just a majestic ancient Roman aqueduct, here every stone remembers fascinating historical events. The construction of this unique structure dates back to the 19th year BC. e., but none of the scientists can explain exactly how it was built.

The three-tier aqueduct is part of a 50-kilometer water supply system that supplies water to the needs of the citizens of Nîmes. For more than 2000 years of history, changes have taken place, the aqueduct has long ceased to serve as a water pipe, remaining a majestic crossing.

in London

TOP-10 "The most beautiful bridges in the world" completes the famous drawbridge over the Thames, located near the Tower. This British icon, built in the Victorian Gothic style, was built in 1894 and is a 244-meter structure with two 65-meter towers. The length of the span between them is 61 m, and the span itself is divided into 2 movable wings, capable of rising to 83 ° and equipped with a special counterweight, which makes it possible to raise the bridge within one minute.

For pedestrians in the building, in addition to the sidewalks provided, galleries were built that unite the towers at a height of 44 m. Today they house a museum and an observation deck.

We tried to list and characterize the most beautiful bridges in the world. The photos and names of the bridges are different, but they are similar in one thing: these majestic structures were created by brilliant craftsmen and have become unique monuments of architectural art.

Throughout history, people have built an infinite number of bridges: high and low, beautiful and practical, pedestrian and transport. Each bridge bears the imprint of the time in which it was built and characterizes not only the advancement of design, but also the development of technology. Below is a dozen of the most famous bridges that are a landmark of a particular country. If you do not find any bridge, I propose to add it in the comments.

Pleasant viewing and wonderful mood for the whole day!

‏So let's go.

Pont du Gard Aqueduct Bridge, France

This bridge, across the Gordon River in southern France, is part of an aqueduct built in the Roman Empire, believed to be between 19 BC. and 150g. BC. It is the highest of the ancient Roman aqueducts (aqueduct) that have survived to this day. Its length is 274 meters with a height of 49 meters. In connection with his historical significance, this bridge has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tower Bridge London, England (UK)

Tower Bridge is laid across the River Thames in central London near the Tower of London. It is a combination of a drawbridge and a suspension bridge. The two bridge towers that represent the foundation of the bridge are part of a paid museum, while the bridge itself is free to use by both pedestrians and vehicles. Also, the Tower Bridge bridge is one of the symbols of London and all of Britain.

Nanpu Bridge in Shanghai, China

The Nanpu Bridge is known for its innovative spiral design, which was designed and implemented by Shanghai craftsmen to save space. The bridge crosses the Huangpu River in downtown Shanghai. It is the 57th longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Its length is 8346 meters.

Akashi-Kaikyo or Pearl Bridge in Kobe-Naruto, Japan

Akashi-Kaikyo, with a length of 3911 meters, retains the primacy among suspension bridges to the present. The central span of the Pearl Bridge is also longer than any suspension bridge in the world, which is 1991 meters. The bridge built across the Akashi Strait was designed with possible storms and earthquakes in mind.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge, UK

Although the bridge is named after the new millennium, it is known by the name "Blinking Eye". This is the world's first and so far the only revolving bridge. When ships pass along the river, the bridge support is raised by 50 meters. At the time when the arch of the bridge rises and falls, it seems that the bridge is winking. The turn lasts no more than 4.5 minutes and attracts a lot of spectators. It's very interesting to see how it all happens.

Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno River in Florence has a rich history, because was originally erected in the ancient Roman era. The bridge acquired its current appearance in 1345, when it was rebuilt on the site of the previous two. The bridge is built of stone, is a closed structure and is a segmental arch bridge. Ponte Vecchio, which in Florence is called the "Old Bridge" is known for its trading shops: jewelry and souvenirs in our time, as well as meat and fish in the Middle Ages. In addition, this is one of the few bridges that was not destroyed in Europe during the Second World War.

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA

One of the most famous is the Golden Gate suspension bridge in California. This bridge may not be the most beautiful, but it is the most photographed. With its red and orange supporting structures, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable in the world. The movement on the bridge towards San Francisco is paid, on this moment cost $ 5, in the opposite direction - free of charge ( This applies to motorists as well as cyclists and pedestrians).

Hangzhou Bay Bridge, Zhejiang, China

Hangzhou Bay Bridge, built across the East China Sea and the Yangtze River Delta, with a length of 35 km. is the longest and most reliable transoceanic bridge in the world. The bridge was designed by 600 experts for 9 years, and it was built, tested and put into operation in just 6 years. However, the design of the bridge takes into account all the adverse conditions: several currents, high waves, seismic activity and typhoons, natural gas emissions, bottom heterogeneity, and so on. In addition, given that the movement through the body of water relaxes drivers, the bridge is built in the form English letter"S" and throughout the bridge there are light diodes that change color, which concentrates the attention of drivers.

Millau Viaduct Bridge in Tarn Valley, France

Bridge Millau Viaduct It is the highest road bridge in the world. The constructed bridge broke three world records at once: the highest supports, the most tall tower bridge and the highest road deck of the bridge. The Millau Viaduct is 343 meters high and 2500 meters long. When fog descends into the Tarn Valley, it seems that the bridge is somewhere in the sky above the clouds.

Banpo Bridge in Seoul, Korea

The Banpo Bridge in Korea is called the "Rainbow Fountain". An unusually beautiful two-tier bridge runs across the Han River and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest fountain on the bridge. On both sides of the bridge there is a fountain 570 meters long, the total length of the fountain, respectively, is 1140 meters. Unlike ordinary fountains that shoot upwards, the jets of the rainbow fountain are directed sideways and downwards, like a waterfall, while the length of the jet is 45 meters. Almost 10,000 colored LED bulbs create incredible lighting effects. The water for the fountain is taken from the river, purified, and then re-entered into the river. light shows can be observed from April to June, the rest of the time the lower tier of the bridge is flooded with water, and movement continues along the upper tier.

It is a pity that all the world-famous bridges did not fit into the format of one article, but they will definitely appear in the following publications. So be sure to subscribe to updates to keep abreast of all the most interesting!

In today's article, we will talk about the most famous bridges from all over the world. According to the "Field of View" version, we offer for consideration the top 20 most famous and unusual bridge structures from the point of view of modern architecture.

1. Sheikh Rashid Bridge (Sheikh Rashid) in Dubai

The largest city of the United Arab Emirates has long been popular for its architectural objects that are ahead of modern times. A striking example is the project in Dubai from the American architectural studio Fxfowle. Sheikh Rashid Bridge is supposed to be the tallest arched structure in the entire world, at about 2 km long.

2. Richmond Bridge in London (England)

Richmond Bridge is the oldest bridge built in the 18th century. The arched structure in the southwest of the English capital crosses the River Thames and connects modern London with Richmond County. The bridge was slightly modified in the 40s of the last century, but generally retains its original appearance.

3. Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo (Japan)

The bridge stands out among its counterparts, characteristic of Tokyo, with bright lighting along the entire structure. The Rainbow Bridge was completed in 1993. Today, the Japanese bridge is one of the most beautiful in the world.

4. Millennium Bridge in Gateshead (Newcastle, UK)

The Millennium Bridge or, as it is also called, the "blinking eye" connects the southern and sulfur areas of Newcastle. Mainly intended for pedestrians and cyclists. The unusual design (oblique shape) instantly attracts attention. The length of the structure is small - only 126 meters. The bridge is especially beautiful in the evening and at night due to spectacular illumination.

5. Beipanjiang Railway Bridge in Guizhou (China)

The bridge is an economically important part of the Beipanjiang railway project in Guizhou. Since its completion in 2001, the commercial activity and income of the Chinese city, which has historically been one of the poorest in the country, has increased significantly. The bridge is constructed in a classic arch way, connecting two mountains with a height of about 300 m.

6. Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (Brazilia City, Brazil)

The Brazilian landmark draws attention with its modern asymmetrical design. The bridge was built across Lake Paranoa of the city of Brasilia, and runs for more than 1200 meters in length.

7. Alamillo Bridge Seville (Spain)

The peculiarity of the structure is that Alamillo Bridge has only one pylon 142 meters high. The bridge was built specifically for the World Expo 92, providing transport accessibility across the Guadalquivir River between the Spanish city of Seville and Cartuja Island. Since then, Alamillo has become an important landmark in Spain and a symbol of the country's promising architectural future.

8. The longest bridge in the world Hangzhou Bay Bridge in Shanghai (China)

Another architectural landmark of China is the longest bridge in the world. Hangzhou Bay, completed in 2007, is over 35 km long! This bridge links Shanghai and the port city of Ningbo. The construction of this grandiose structure made it possible to shorten the journey between cities from 4 to only 2.5 hours.

9. Millau Viaduct Bridge in Millau (France)

The Millau Viaduct (or La Viaduct de Millau in French) was designed by Norman Forest and spans the Tarn River valley near the medieval town of Millau. It turned out to be a very tall and grandiose building. The photo shows that it is strictly forbidden for the faint of heart to pass through such a bridge!

10. Brooklyn Bridge in New York (USA)

It is impossible to miss the oldest and one of the most famous bridges in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883 and took 13 years to build. For the next 20 years, this structure was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

11. Tower Bridge (London, England)

Tower Bridge is one of London's most famous landmarks and one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Drawbridge over the River Thames was opened in 1894.

12. Golden Gate in San Francisco (USA)

Golden Gate Bridge or the Golden Gate, the construction of which was completed in 1937, at that time was the longest bridge(length about 9 km). The construction of the bridge at that time was a huge achievement in construction.

13. Harbor Bridge in Sydney (Australia)

Just like the previous creation of architecture, the Harbor Bridge was the greatest engineering masterpiece of its time. After opening in 1932, the bridge became Australia's most popular tourist attraction. Better known as the Hanger, the Harbor Bridge is famous for its longest arched span in bridge history.

14. Bridge Ponte Vecchio (Ponte Vecchio) in Florence (Italy)

Ponte Vecchio is the only "residential" bridge in the world. It houses the houses where the inhabitants of Florence live. The bridge is the oldest arched structure in Europe. The peculiarity is that the Ponte Vecchio is constructed entirely of stone without the use of any other material.

15. Westminster Bridge (London, England)

Westminster Bridge is an arched bridge across the River Thames that connects Westminster and Lambeth. The modern building was built in 1862 by the architect Thomas Page, replacing the old bridge built in the 40s of the 18th century. It is famous for the nearby legendary Big Ben.

16. Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul (Turkey)

This architectural object is probably familiar to Russian tourists who have ever been to Turkey. It is the only bridge in the world connecting two continents: Europe and Asia.

17. Water bridge in Magdeburg (Germany)

As the name implies, the Magdebur bridge is designed to move a water mode of transport. The length of the bridge is 918 meters. Currently, the bridge connects the port of Berlin with the ports on the Rhine. Prior to its construction, ships had to make a detour 12 km through the Rotenseev lock along the Elbe River and through the Nigripp lock.

18. Nanpu Bridge (Shanghai, China)

Another miracle of architectural thought is the Shanghai bridge in the form of a spiral. Such an ornate structure was built not only from an aesthetic point of view. The main task that the engineers faced was to minimize the area for the construction of the bridge.

19. Akase Kaike (Kove Naruto, Japan)

Akase-Kaike can be considered the father-progenitor suspension bridges. Initially, it was planned to build a railway-road bridge, but later it was decided to limit it to only 6 lanes of car traffic.

20. San Diego - Coronado Bridge (San Diego, USA)

Finally, we will talk about one of the highest bridges located above the water. The bridge in San Diego is so high that even the ship itself can easily sail under this structure.

Not all known bridges are considered in the article. In the following materials, we will definitely return to the review of these amazing architectural structures.